Victory gardens were first implemented during World War I and became even more important during World War II. Agriculture was limited due to the draft and farm equipment being used for the war effort. Citizens made up the shortfall by having their own gardens to grow fruits and vegetables. Federal and state agencies, local governments, private citizens, and civic groups all published guides and held classes to ensure success. They advised on what to grow, how to grow it, gave sample garden plans, sample yields, and information on weed and pest control. Learn the history of victory gardens and their role in feeding not only those at home but our soldiers overseas. “Sow the seeds of victory for the war effort.”
Alaine Bush has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University. She became a professional gardener in 2003 and has been an Advanced Master Gardener since 2006. She applied her gardening skills as a volunteer designing the Veterans Garden at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, which she continues to manage and maintain with the help of volunteers. Alaine currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Grosse Pointe Garden Center, Inc. and has been with the Urban Forestry Commission for the city of Grosse Pointe since 2017. Her awards include the Individual Service Award from the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan in 2021, Marion Thompson Fuller Brown Conservation Award in 2023 from the Garden Club of Michigan, and in 2024 she received the 2000 Lifetime Volunteer Hours Achievement from Michigan State University Extension.
Wednesday, September 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Dining and Reception Rooms at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
Registration: Admission is free to Garden Center members and non-members. Advanced registration is requested via Eventbrite. Please check here to register.